If this experience of no-Sean-ness had a name, what would it be? Awareness? Samadhi?
From Sean's perspective, it is suddenly seeing Sean's experience through another's perceptions. But the whole idea that "I" could see (not just "imagine." but rather "experience") Sean's perspective from the perspective of another is the part that is so hard to put into words.
I've had that second experience. Most vividly it was watching myself driving. I knew how to do it, so I kinda stood back and watched.
As for the first, it sounds as though you simply quit labeling things for awhile, and observed what was there without the filters of what you think you see and what you expect to see. I've had a similar thing happen from time to time, sometimes even with people I know well. Whether I'm perceiving more than commonly meets the eye, I couldn't say - only have my point of view, and though the scope of what I perceive has changed, I'm far enough out from that point that I don't distinguish a contrast between what I would have seen ("seen") then and what I am seeing now.
Look forward to your response.
Julie,
I think your use of the word "vivid" really strikes close to the experience.
Whether I'm perceiving more than commonly meets the eye, I couldn't say - only have my point of view...
Nicely put. For a long time, I fantasized that experiences of enlightenment would reveal hidden knowledge to me -- like finding a key to a library. But after some considerable amount of practice, what I'm finding is not secret knowledge, but rather clearer seeing. Is that more than commonly meets the eye? Not sure, but it certainly allows me to see more of what reaches my eye than I saw before. This doesn't, of course, make me a particularly interesting companion on a walk. ("Look!!! Dirt -- real dirt! And a trash can!")
I like the way you said that it's about seeing more clearly. I've had a couple of experiences like this - at the same time of experiencing that space of observation, I also felt a complete absorption into all that was around me. It seemed hard to find the edges of myself and the edges of the tree next to me. I always wondered - is this samadhi? (and then it ends - as soon as I wonder that!)
Sean,
Thanks for your notes on Spirit Rock. I'm looking forward to trying it out someday myself.
Glad to see you here, Brandon. I'm looking forward to finding a time to do another retreat. Nothing like constant intensity to enhance pain. 
I'd love to hear about your experiences with meditation.
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